Blue Note Japan Vinyl & CDs

Review: Roots and Herbs, recorded by Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers in 1961, was finally released by Blue Note Records in 1970ialmost a decade later. Featuring compositions by Wayne Shorter, the album showcases Blakey's all-star lineup: Shorter on tenor sax, Lee Morgan on trumpet, Jymie Merritt on bass, with alternating pianists Bobby Timmons and Walter Davis Jr. Despite its hard bop energy, the album arrived at a time when fusion dominated jazz, leading to Roots and Herbs being somewhat overlooked. The album's vibrant performances and intricate solos highlight the Messengers' hard bop brilliance. Tracks like 'Ping Pong, 'Roots and Herbs', and 'Master Mind' capture the beauty of Blakey's dynamic leadership. Each musician delivers top-tier performances and Blakey's powerful swing provides the backbone throughout. Though delayed, Roots and Herbs is now being appreciated as one of Blakey's finest works, a testament to both the talent of the Messengers and the timelessness of hard bop. This reissue reaffirms the album's place as an essential piece of jazz history, now reaching a broader audience. This special edition comes on UHQ-CD.

Review: This third outing as leader for Blue Note by Paul Chambers, after his Whims of Chambers and the Paul Chambers Quintet, is often said to be his finest. The previous sessions featured hard-bop ensembles with John Coltrane and Elvin Jones, but this session presents Chambers in a more intimate setting with Burrell's bright melodic support and discreet backing from Jones and Taylor. The opening track features Chambers' deep, baroque sound, a rarity in jazz, while 'You'd Be So Nice' and 'Chasin' The Bird' showcase conventional bop with notable bass solos. 'Dear Old Stockholm' highlights Burrell's solo skills and 'The Theme' and 'Confessin'' display Chambers' vivid bowed solo and swinging bass. Chambers' extended solo space on this LP is also worth taking note of for its exceptional articulation and taste.